This weekend I realized how much I love Harry Potter, movies and books. This weekend was a Harry Potter weekend on ABC Family. I had it on all Saturday and turned it on first thing this morning. I don't know how many times I have seen each movie. Watching them is just a relaxing thing for me. I like getting caught up in the magic and adventure.
My favorite Harry Potter movie of all times is the movie seven part two. It was so epic! The graphics were awesome and the story line was mostly accurate. I saw it in the movie theater so it was on a huge screen, which made everything better. Another favorite is the fourth one, the Goblet of Fire. This one just has so much action and it has mystery in it. I like the Triwizard scene and all of the competitions. I have seen this one multiple time and it really does not get old, even though I know what is going to happen. When it gets to the part where Harry and Cedric are reaching for the cup in the maze, I think "NO don't do it! It's a trap!" But I know it will be okay in the end.
My least favorite one is probably number one. I think this is because it is so old and it just looks out dated. Also, I have seen it a lot and knows what happens anyway. Harry Potter is really young and doesn't look as cute. I think this is partly why I like the newer ones because he is a little more mature and athletic. Also, the effects are not that good and the computerization of the castle looks weird. At the time it looked good, but in comparison to all the other movies, it could have been way better.
I think J.K. Rowling did a really good job on writing her books. The movies don't give much credit to them. They are way better than the movies because there is so much detail. With the movies you just get the just of what is going on. If you read the books you find out the background of things and why this happened and this didn't. The books are a must read.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
My Birthday!
Today is my birthday! It is also my sister's birthday, too. Today the one of the best days I have had in a long time. It was full of surprises and I just felt really loved.
When I woke up I found my door to be decorated! It had shiny garland and a "happy birthday" banner. It looked so cool! Last night I had heard something rustling and I thought it was something in my roommate's closet. So I had her get up and check it out. It wasn't anything, but I could still hear that noise. Well, it turns out it was my friends decorating my door. They figured I would be asleep already, but I had decided to stay up a little later to get a paper done.
Today I had to get up early to go to the Rotary meeting. It started at 7 am! Then I had to work at 7:45 until 9:30. At ten I had to meet my bio lab group to work on our presentation. After that I ate lunch and went to the health fair. Since it was my birthday I got a $15 gift card to Walmart! Thanks, Noah Health Clinic! I got a lot of free stuff at the fair.
After the fair, I got an email saying I had a delivery at the info desk. I was walking to go get it and I hear my name being called. Emily and Sam were running across the field. Sam ran inside Clinton and Emily walked with me to go get my package. I had a weird feeling about this because Sam just disappeared. My package was a bouquet of flowers from my parents! They are so pretty! After picking that up, Emily and I went back to my room and no one was in there except for my roommate. A couple seconds later I hear my name being called down the hall. Sam and Kellie walk into my room with a sack of presents and donuts! The donuts were delicious and the presents were awesome! Emily got me Walk the Line, hair bands, and slipper socks. Sam got me a Wartburg t-shirt and earrings. Kellie got me popcorn, Fool's Gold, and a snuggie! The gifts are all wonderful! I have such awesome friends! Also, I think they are taking me out Friday night, but I don't know where!
Tonight I also Skyped with my parents and sister! It was so good to talk to them! Today I realized that this is the first birthday I have spent apart from my sister. I guess I have never really thought about it much before. It is a little weird to be apart. I know this is going to sound bad, but my roommate reminded me about texting my sister happy birthday. I think I just knew it was her birthday and we always see each other and tell each other, but it was a little different this time. I guess from now on this is how it will be. Thats a little sad to think about.
When I woke up I found my door to be decorated! It had shiny garland and a "happy birthday" banner. It looked so cool! Last night I had heard something rustling and I thought it was something in my roommate's closet. So I had her get up and check it out. It wasn't anything, but I could still hear that noise. Well, it turns out it was my friends decorating my door. They figured I would be asleep already, but I had decided to stay up a little later to get a paper done.
Today I had to get up early to go to the Rotary meeting. It started at 7 am! Then I had to work at 7:45 until 9:30. At ten I had to meet my bio lab group to work on our presentation. After that I ate lunch and went to the health fair. Since it was my birthday I got a $15 gift card to Walmart! Thanks, Noah Health Clinic! I got a lot of free stuff at the fair.
After the fair, I got an email saying I had a delivery at the info desk. I was walking to go get it and I hear my name being called. Emily and Sam were running across the field. Sam ran inside Clinton and Emily walked with me to go get my package. I had a weird feeling about this because Sam just disappeared. My package was a bouquet of flowers from my parents! They are so pretty! After picking that up, Emily and I went back to my room and no one was in there except for my roommate. A couple seconds later I hear my name being called down the hall. Sam and Kellie walk into my room with a sack of presents and donuts! The donuts were delicious and the presents were awesome! Emily got me Walk the Line, hair bands, and slipper socks. Sam got me a Wartburg t-shirt and earrings. Kellie got me popcorn, Fool's Gold, and a snuggie! The gifts are all wonderful! I have such awesome friends! Also, I think they are taking me out Friday night, but I don't know where!
Tonight I also Skyped with my parents and sister! It was so good to talk to them! Today I realized that this is the first birthday I have spent apart from my sister. I guess I have never really thought about it much before. It is a little weird to be apart. I know this is going to sound bad, but my roommate reminded me about texting my sister happy birthday. I think I just knew it was her birthday and we always see each other and tell each other, but it was a little different this time. I guess from now on this is how it will be. Thats a little sad to think about.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Congo
Over break, I finished the book Congo. Overall, I liked the book. It was boring in places, but once they story picked up it was exciting and a little scary. I could not believe the amount of computer technology in this book. Also, the animal intelligence was interesting.
There was a lot of technology back in the 70's. I did not realize that we had specialized computers and satellites. When the group was in the Congo, they carried only six pounds of equipment with them. This included a video camera and a small computer. I could not believe how small the computer was and that it could transmit signals thousands of miles away. The equipment was also pretty light for back then I think. Today, we could probably carry all that weighing one to two pounds.
I also think that the seventies was an age of great technology advances. Crichton gives much background on this era and its advances. I can see what it was like back then compared to today. I guess even in the 90's we had pretty small computers, considering. We also had the invention of the cell phone, which is kind of like a small computer.
The animal intelligence was interesting to read about because I have never really been interested in it before. I thought the sign language of the gorillas was cool and how much they can comprehend. It is creepy to think they are that smart and are so closely related to and resembles humans. Crichton did a good job explaining the history behind the controversies and what lead to that mission.
This book has changed my perspective on these topics. It has made me realize what it was like back then. It wasn't so bad. I have also kind of rethought animal intelligence and find it very interesting.
There was a lot of technology back in the 70's. I did not realize that we had specialized computers and satellites. When the group was in the Congo, they carried only six pounds of equipment with them. This included a video camera and a small computer. I could not believe how small the computer was and that it could transmit signals thousands of miles away. The equipment was also pretty light for back then I think. Today, we could probably carry all that weighing one to two pounds.
I also think that the seventies was an age of great technology advances. Crichton gives much background on this era and its advances. I can see what it was like back then compared to today. I guess even in the 90's we had pretty small computers, considering. We also had the invention of the cell phone, which is kind of like a small computer.
The animal intelligence was interesting to read about because I have never really been interested in it before. I thought the sign language of the gorillas was cool and how much they can comprehend. It is creepy to think they are that smart and are so closely related to and resembles humans. Crichton did a good job explaining the history behind the controversies and what lead to that mission.
This book has changed my perspective on these topics. It has made me realize what it was like back then. It wasn't so bad. I have also kind of rethought animal intelligence and find it very interesting.
Thanksgiving Break!
Before break, I was so looking forward to it. Just because I get to see my family and relax. It also made me realize that finals are coming up in two weeks! Crazy! This break I was definitely more relaxed than I was at Fall break. I have no idea why since finals are coming up.
I enjoyed seeing all my family. It was nice to talk with them and listen to them talk about their lives. They are more exciting than mine is. I got to see my little cousins I haven't seen in I think three months. They had grown up so much. I got to talk with my mom's side of the family, which I only see three times a year. The food at Thanksgiving was awesome! My grandma goes to so much work. We had ham and turkey, corn casserole, broccoli casserole, a couple salads, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin bread. For dessert, there was four kinds of pies, chocolate peanut butter, coconut macaroon, peach, and pecan. It was all delicious! That night I went to my dad's side Thanksgiving and had soup and left overs from lunch.
The rest of break I was really lazy. I watched TV and a movie on Friday. The movie was The King's Speech. I recommend it to anyone (except little children)! It was a very good movie. The actor who plays the king did a really good job playing the part. Also on Friday, I started a jigsaw puzzle. My dad and my sister and I always do jigsaw puzzles during the winter. We have gone through a lot of them!
I had a list of people to see during my break, but I never got around to it. I felt bad but then I thought I have all Christmas break to visit them.
On Saturday, I was invited back over to my grandparents house for my birthday dinner. My birthday isn't until the first, but my grandma wanted to give me my presents and make sure I had a good dinner. The dinner was wonderful and so were the presents! Thanks everyone!
Overall, my break was really good. I had a good time seeing my family and enjoyed celebrating my birthday.
I enjoyed seeing all my family. It was nice to talk with them and listen to them talk about their lives. They are more exciting than mine is. I got to see my little cousins I haven't seen in I think three months. They had grown up so much. I got to talk with my mom's side of the family, which I only see three times a year. The food at Thanksgiving was awesome! My grandma goes to so much work. We had ham and turkey, corn casserole, broccoli casserole, a couple salads, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin bread. For dessert, there was four kinds of pies, chocolate peanut butter, coconut macaroon, peach, and pecan. It was all delicious! That night I went to my dad's side Thanksgiving and had soup and left overs from lunch.
The rest of break I was really lazy. I watched TV and a movie on Friday. The movie was The King's Speech. I recommend it to anyone (except little children)! It was a very good movie. The actor who plays the king did a really good job playing the part. Also on Friday, I started a jigsaw puzzle. My dad and my sister and I always do jigsaw puzzles during the winter. We have gone through a lot of them!
I had a list of people to see during my break, but I never got around to it. I felt bad but then I thought I have all Christmas break to visit them.
On Saturday, I was invited back over to my grandparents house for my birthday dinner. My birthday isn't until the first, but my grandma wanted to give me my presents and make sure I had a good dinner. The dinner was wonderful and so were the presents! Thanks everyone!
Overall, my break was really good. I had a good time seeing my family and enjoyed celebrating my birthday.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Global Impact
I do believe the effects of global warming or something of that nature is effecting the world. Listening to the three foreign students in the class talk about it was interesting to me. I can really see where they are coming from. When I was in Europe, there was not one country I went to that raised awareness to recycle and better the planet.
I saw an impact when I traveled to Europe. In England, for example, there was no awareness of protecting the earth and recycling. It was very sad. London is one of the dirtiest cities because so many people are packed in such a tight space. There is no room for garbage. I do not know where their land fills are at. The river that runs through London is very dirty, I am guessing, from pollution. France also had no awareness. Well, in Paris, there are more dogs than people. The river there is also dirty. There are so many cars and boats. I saw the biggest impact when I was in Switzerland. I stayed on the beautiful Swiss Alps and I was surprised how warm it was. Of course, at the top of the mountains was snow, but not as much as I thought there would be. I went to one look at one of the highest points in Switzerland, the Matterhorn. We had to go to a lookout point at a couple thousand feet. I was expecting it to be cold because we would be so high up. I was wrong. It was a beautiful 70 degrees. The sun was bright and there was grass and trees. I was a little shocked to feel how warm it was. We all had brought jackets and had to take them off. This was the biggest shock to me to see how we are affecting our earth. I believe that eventually the snow will be melted off the caps of the Alps and the little natural streams will dry out. This would not be good for the humans because this is how they get their water.
The rest of the countries were the same way as England and France. So, I have come to the conclusion that the rest of the world is not as worried as Americans are when it comes to global warming. I think they should be aware and do there part even though America has the biggest impact. They should do their part to conserve their beautiful land and resources and also to preserve their history.
I saw an impact when I traveled to Europe. In England, for example, there was no awareness of protecting the earth and recycling. It was very sad. London is one of the dirtiest cities because so many people are packed in such a tight space. There is no room for garbage. I do not know where their land fills are at. The river that runs through London is very dirty, I am guessing, from pollution. France also had no awareness. Well, in Paris, there are more dogs than people. The river there is also dirty. There are so many cars and boats. I saw the biggest impact when I was in Switzerland. I stayed on the beautiful Swiss Alps and I was surprised how warm it was. Of course, at the top of the mountains was snow, but not as much as I thought there would be. I went to one look at one of the highest points in Switzerland, the Matterhorn. We had to go to a lookout point at a couple thousand feet. I was expecting it to be cold because we would be so high up. I was wrong. It was a beautiful 70 degrees. The sun was bright and there was grass and trees. I was a little shocked to feel how warm it was. We all had brought jackets and had to take them off. This was the biggest shock to me to see how we are affecting our earth. I believe that eventually the snow will be melted off the caps of the Alps and the little natural streams will dry out. This would not be good for the humans because this is how they get their water.
The rest of the countries were the same way as England and France. So, I have come to the conclusion that the rest of the world is not as worried as Americans are when it comes to global warming. I think they should be aware and do there part even though America has the biggest impact. They should do their part to conserve their beautiful land and resources and also to preserve their history.
State of Fear
The book State of Fear was a good book. I really enjoyed it. My first reaction when I found out I had to read the book was, "This book is 700 pages! Ugh!" I thought it would be difficult to read and be boring. I was wrong.
The science in the book was a little confusing at times. It was good that Crichton wrote it so you do not have to understand what they are talking about. He gives you the information and explanations you need to understand what is going on. I also think the science was real information. Partly because Crichton cited and because it just made sense.
I like that the book had an actual plot, resolution, etc. It was a lot better read than the ol' IS Reader. I think that is what made it easier to read. It actually grabbed my attention and was interesting. The middle of the book got a little boring with people arguing back and forth to vocalize their opinions. It was just random facts and opinions jumbled together and they really were not that important to the out come of the book. They just helped explain the characters a little further.
This book changed my perspective on global warming. Before, I thought it was a huge problem. I also wondered why not many people were taking the steps to better themselves to save the earth. Now, I kind of know why. It is because it is not a very immediate problem. I now believe that it is going to happen with or without humans, but also humans are having an impact on it. I think they are making it happen faster than it naturally would. I also agree with Crichton when he points out evidence that the earth is cooling. That is one reason why global warming not such an immediate problem; because the earth is cooling. I really don't understand why and how. I do still believe a little that there is a greenhouse effect and that we still need to worry about our pollution and carbon being released into the atmosphere. I think all the new step to being more "green" is good for our health and the planets. I would be even more effective if everyone would participate. I know this hard to change people's ways, but it will be well worth it in the end.
Overall, the book State of Fear was interesting and made me think about what I believe in. It gave me new ideas and perspectives on the world-wide problem of global warming.
The science in the book was a little confusing at times. It was good that Crichton wrote it so you do not have to understand what they are talking about. He gives you the information and explanations you need to understand what is going on. I also think the science was real information. Partly because Crichton cited and because it just made sense.
I like that the book had an actual plot, resolution, etc. It was a lot better read than the ol' IS Reader. I think that is what made it easier to read. It actually grabbed my attention and was interesting. The middle of the book got a little boring with people arguing back and forth to vocalize their opinions. It was just random facts and opinions jumbled together and they really were not that important to the out come of the book. They just helped explain the characters a little further.
This book changed my perspective on global warming. Before, I thought it was a huge problem. I also wondered why not many people were taking the steps to better themselves to save the earth. Now, I kind of know why. It is because it is not a very immediate problem. I now believe that it is going to happen with or without humans, but also humans are having an impact on it. I think they are making it happen faster than it naturally would. I also agree with Crichton when he points out evidence that the earth is cooling. That is one reason why global warming not such an immediate problem; because the earth is cooling. I really don't understand why and how. I do still believe a little that there is a greenhouse effect and that we still need to worry about our pollution and carbon being released into the atmosphere. I think all the new step to being more "green" is good for our health and the planets. I would be even more effective if everyone would participate. I know this hard to change people's ways, but it will be well worth it in the end.
Overall, the book State of Fear was interesting and made me think about what I believe in. It gave me new ideas and perspectives on the world-wide problem of global warming.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Wartburg Won!
This Saturday was the Wartburg-Luther game! I was so excited for it because it was a rival between my sister and I. Almost my whole family from my Dad's side came to Decorah this weekend.
My family picked me up at eight in the morning on Saturday so we could be at the game in plenty of time. We met my sister up there. It was fun tailgating before the game, but it was a little cold. The football field is, i guess, off a bluff. We were parked right next to it and I had to find a way up to the top of the bluff to meet my sister because she did not know how to get down it. There was a dorm close by so my cousin and I climbed all nine stories to get to the campus at the top of the bluff. After that climb, I had to go to my sister's dorm, which she lives on the third floor! The whole day was filled with climbing stairs.
Watching the game was fun. We sat at the top of the bleachers, which was practically at the top of the bluff. It was a really good view. The game at first was a little disappointing because Luther had scored in the first minute. I was glad when Wartburg came back and was ahead by two touchdowns. Towards the end Luther got caught up and we were tied. It was down to the last minute and Wartburg decided to go for a three point kick. We made it and won the game 24-21!
After the game my family went back to the hotel. We just relaxed and talked the rest of the night. It was great to just sit and talk to my family who I haven't seen in a while. It was also nice to hang out with my sister. I did not want to come back today and do homework. But, I have to look at the bright side: only a week and a half until Thanksgiving break!
My family picked me up at eight in the morning on Saturday so we could be at the game in plenty of time. We met my sister up there. It was fun tailgating before the game, but it was a little cold. The football field is, i guess, off a bluff. We were parked right next to it and I had to find a way up to the top of the bluff to meet my sister because she did not know how to get down it. There was a dorm close by so my cousin and I climbed all nine stories to get to the campus at the top of the bluff. After that climb, I had to go to my sister's dorm, which she lives on the third floor! The whole day was filled with climbing stairs.
Watching the game was fun. We sat at the top of the bleachers, which was practically at the top of the bluff. It was a really good view. The game at first was a little disappointing because Luther had scored in the first minute. I was glad when Wartburg came back and was ahead by two touchdowns. Towards the end Luther got caught up and we were tied. It was down to the last minute and Wartburg decided to go for a three point kick. We made it and won the game 24-21!
After the game my family went back to the hotel. We just relaxed and talked the rest of the night. It was great to just sit and talk to my family who I haven't seen in a while. It was also nice to hang out with my sister. I did not want to come back today and do homework. But, I have to look at the bright side: only a week and a half until Thanksgiving break!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
50/50
This past weekend I went and saw the move 50/50. It was about a young kid finding out that he has cancer and it is about his battle with it. It ended good, I was glad. The previews I saw for it made it look like a funny movie, which it was, but I think it had to be like that to lighten the mood of the whole situation.
This movie really hit home for me. Currently, my grandma Kielly is battling cancer. She is in remission now, but is having a hard time dealing with everything. My other grandmother is a cancer survivor. She battled breast cancer about thirty years ago. This movie made me see what they have gone through. It is definitely not easy. I do not see how my grandmother, the one with breast cancer, made it through. The person I know today is such a strong person and I think facing cancer made her like that.
The movie made you see the low points of having cancer like the sickness and being faced with death. The whole movie was a little hard to watch because I could relate myself to it and I know people with cancer and ones who have battled it. I cannot imagine myself going through that. I do not think I could be strong and hold it all together. Don't get me wrong, I would want to beat it, but in the end, is it worth it? This is a question, I am sure, my Grandma Kielly is asking herself now. She has been through a couple surgeries and has been through some pain and physical struggles. I now understand what she is going through because before I knew she was taking chemo, but I never realized what it did to someone's body. It is frustrating for her loved ones to see her struggle like this, but she is dealing with something tough.
Overall, 50/50 was a very good movie. It was just sad. This movie was eye opening for me. I now understand somewhat what cancer patients are going through. It gave me a new perspective on the entire concept.
This movie really hit home for me. Currently, my grandma Kielly is battling cancer. She is in remission now, but is having a hard time dealing with everything. My other grandmother is a cancer survivor. She battled breast cancer about thirty years ago. This movie made me see what they have gone through. It is definitely not easy. I do not see how my grandmother, the one with breast cancer, made it through. The person I know today is such a strong person and I think facing cancer made her like that.
The movie made you see the low points of having cancer like the sickness and being faced with death. The whole movie was a little hard to watch because I could relate myself to it and I know people with cancer and ones who have battled it. I cannot imagine myself going through that. I do not think I could be strong and hold it all together. Don't get me wrong, I would want to beat it, but in the end, is it worth it? This is a question, I am sure, my Grandma Kielly is asking herself now. She has been through a couple surgeries and has been through some pain and physical struggles. I now understand what she is going through because before I knew she was taking chemo, but I never realized what it did to someone's body. It is frustrating for her loved ones to see her struggle like this, but she is dealing with something tough.
Overall, 50/50 was a very good movie. It was just sad. This movie was eye opening for me. I now understand somewhat what cancer patients are going through. It gave me a new perspective on the entire concept.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Baking for Man's Best Friend
I am watching a show on Iowa Public Television called "B Organic." I really like this show because it is all about being eco-friendly and it is made in Iowa. On today's show, the host has a lady on who bakes dog treats and meals. I think this is a little weird, but would be fun to do.
I understand that making meals for your dog is beneficial because it allows you to know what your dog is eating. I think I would do this for my dog if I had the time. All the recipes you can make for your dog, humans can eat also. Another disadvantage would be you have to spend the money on fresh vegetables and some different ingredients.
The treats look a little more reasonable. I would like doing this for my dog because I like to bake. The treats are bread based and you can add bacon and peanut butter to them. They are also made in mini cupcake pans so you can make a lot at one time. I would enjoy this better than making a meal. This could be a monthly thing and wouldn't take up too much of my time. The ingredients would also be cheaper and easier to find.
I am not sure if making your dog treats and meals would be cheaper than buying the bagged stuff. I would think it would be a little more expensive in the end because everything is fresh. It also may be cheaper than buying organic food and treats because that stuff is always expensive. It is also easier to just run to the store to get more dog food than take the time to make it.
In the end, I support baking and cooking for your dog because it is healthier for the dog and gives the owner peace of mind knowing what their dog is eating.
I understand that making meals for your dog is beneficial because it allows you to know what your dog is eating. I think I would do this for my dog if I had the time. All the recipes you can make for your dog, humans can eat also. Another disadvantage would be you have to spend the money on fresh vegetables and some different ingredients.
The treats look a little more reasonable. I would like doing this for my dog because I like to bake. The treats are bread based and you can add bacon and peanut butter to them. They are also made in mini cupcake pans so you can make a lot at one time. I would enjoy this better than making a meal. This could be a monthly thing and wouldn't take up too much of my time. The ingredients would also be cheaper and easier to find.
I am not sure if making your dog treats and meals would be cheaper than buying the bagged stuff. I would think it would be a little more expensive in the end because everything is fresh. It also may be cheaper than buying organic food and treats because that stuff is always expensive. It is also easier to just run to the store to get more dog food than take the time to make it.
In the end, I support baking and cooking for your dog because it is healthier for the dog and gives the owner peace of mind knowing what their dog is eating.
Yum!
I like cooking and baking. I like baking better than cooking because I am addicted to sugar. Baking and cooking are relaxing and let you show your creativity through food. My sister and I are known in the family as the bakers and "can bake anything." I am not sure about that. I also made a cake once to give to a bake sale and the cake was gone right away. I got a lot of compliments about it. I love baking also because you can share it with others. If someone is having a bad day, give them a cookie or a piece of cake, and I'm sure they will feel better in no time!
Now that I am at college, I do not get to make my food. I miss this. My sister and I would make dinner almost every night. This gave our mom a break. It was almost like bonding time with my sister. We would argue sometimes over who got to do what, but it was fun. Cooking dinner was a way for me to take a break from the day and sort of relax. I usually did my homework right after school, so it gave me a break from that.
Baking if my favorite. I like to bake a lot of different kinds of things. I bake cookies, cakes, and breads. I like to try new things. My sister and I have a three inch binder full of recipes we want to try. I am good at making breads and I enjoy it. This past summer I made whole wheat bread and it was delicious! Last summer I made bagels, which were also really good. I am a better bread maker than my mom because she can't even get the yeast to rise! I have a list of things I want to make before I die. I want to make creme brulee, cheesecake, pirogi, and donuts. These are just some of them. There is a long list!
When I go home for Christmas break, watch out Mom and Dad, I am going to tear up the kitchen!
Now that I am at college, I do not get to make my food. I miss this. My sister and I would make dinner almost every night. This gave our mom a break. It was almost like bonding time with my sister. We would argue sometimes over who got to do what, but it was fun. Cooking dinner was a way for me to take a break from the day and sort of relax. I usually did my homework right after school, so it gave me a break from that.
Baking if my favorite. I like to bake a lot of different kinds of things. I bake cookies, cakes, and breads. I like to try new things. My sister and I have a three inch binder full of recipes we want to try. I am good at making breads and I enjoy it. This past summer I made whole wheat bread and it was delicious! Last summer I made bagels, which were also really good. I am a better bread maker than my mom because she can't even get the yeast to rise! I have a list of things I want to make before I die. I want to make creme brulee, cheesecake, pirogi, and donuts. These are just some of them. There is a long list!
When I go home for Christmas break, watch out Mom and Dad, I am going to tear up the kitchen!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
An Inconvenient Truth
The movie we watched in class was called "An Inconvenient Truth." It was like a documentary about Al Gore and his motive to educate people about global warming. I actually liked this movie. It was very influential to me, since I am passionate about the environment like Gore. I give him props for going out on his own and talking about this global problem.
I found the information to be quite shocking. I had never realized global warming was that immediate. It was interesting to see the projections that were being made for 2010 and older and to watch the movie now and see what it is really like. I believe the projections made in the early 2000's were fairly accurate for today.
A memorable part of the movie for me was the animation of the land being overtaken by water. It was amazing to see part of the science behind the melting of the ice caps and ice lands. It was hard to see that so many people could be affected by such a small change in the ocean. I could not believe that things like that are happening without the general public's knowledge. Well, I guess the general public would not care. I am just not the general public. I look at this problem as serious. I think the public should care and be warned and knowledgeable on this subject. What could happen just possibly might.
Another memorable part of the movie was the credits. I do not really know why. I think it was the combination of the music and the impact of the words. I felt sad and wanted to do something to help save the earth and our lives.
This movie has motivated me to reach my dreams of helping save the planet. I do not know what kind of occupation I want, but I know I want to be involved with something that impacts people's lives and the way they live.
I found the information to be quite shocking. I had never realized global warming was that immediate. It was interesting to see the projections that were being made for 2010 and older and to watch the movie now and see what it is really like. I believe the projections made in the early 2000's were fairly accurate for today.
A memorable part of the movie for me was the animation of the land being overtaken by water. It was amazing to see part of the science behind the melting of the ice caps and ice lands. It was hard to see that so many people could be affected by such a small change in the ocean. I could not believe that things like that are happening without the general public's knowledge. Well, I guess the general public would not care. I am just not the general public. I look at this problem as serious. I think the public should care and be warned and knowledgeable on this subject. What could happen just possibly might.
Another memorable part of the movie was the credits. I do not really know why. I think it was the combination of the music and the impact of the words. I felt sad and wanted to do something to help save the earth and our lives.
This movie has motivated me to reach my dreams of helping save the planet. I do not know what kind of occupation I want, but I know I want to be involved with something that impacts people's lives and the way they live.
Social Wheel
On the universal social wheel, I see myself in the Socially Responsible Daily Behavior and the Direct Service.
I fit into the Socially Responsible Daily Behavior because I do my part to make the world a better place each day. I recycle and pick up trash on campus. I adhere to the Wartburg Honor Code. I am involved in student employment and greet others who are just walking by. I fit into Direct Service by being apart of the Volunteer Action Center and service trips. I volunteered at a haunted house and I plan on going on a service trip during winter break.
These aspects affect me in a good way. I feel good knowing I am helping others and their way of living. In turn, it also makes others feel good. By participating in direct service, I physically help others. I might help improve someone's house, feed the homeless, or just visit with them. I think this is the most rewarding action one can do. Being socially responsible daily is rewarding, but the effects are not immediate. They have more long-term effects or results, like recycling or riding your bike instead of driving a car.
I fit into the Socially Responsible Daily Behavior because I do my part to make the world a better place each day. I recycle and pick up trash on campus. I adhere to the Wartburg Honor Code. I am involved in student employment and greet others who are just walking by. I fit into Direct Service by being apart of the Volunteer Action Center and service trips. I volunteered at a haunted house and I plan on going on a service trip during winter break.
These aspects affect me in a good way. I feel good knowing I am helping others and their way of living. In turn, it also makes others feel good. By participating in direct service, I physically help others. I might help improve someone's house, feed the homeless, or just visit with them. I think this is the most rewarding action one can do. Being socially responsible daily is rewarding, but the effects are not immediate. They have more long-term effects or results, like recycling or riding your bike instead of driving a car.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Haunted House
Yesterday, Friday, I volunteered at a haunted house along with Sam, Emily, and Kellie. I volunteered for about five hours. The name of the house was called Panic Park. The event was put on by the Black Hawk County Conservation Board. All the proceeds went towards next years haunted house. It was in the country outside of Cedar Falls, located in timber. It consisted of a house and a maze.
I had never been to a haunted house before and I do not like them. I do not know why I volunteered to be in a haunted house, but I thought it would be fun. Walking up to the house was scary. People were already dressed in their costumes and was walking around scaring the other volunteers. This freaked me out. I was hanging on to Sam's arm. After a while, I got used to the costumes and just had to realize they were people and would not hurt me. My first job was going to be working a slam door, which is just a wood window that drops and makes a really loud noise. I would be wearing a mask because people could see me when the window was open. I decided against that and picked an easier job. My job for the night was working a pulley to release a corpse hanging from a tree. I was located at the exit of the house and the entrance to the maze. This was a really boring job. All I had to do was watch for the people walk by as they exited the house and release the corpse. I had to learn to time it just right to scare the people more.
There was two disadvantages to this job. One, it was outside and it was cold that night. I did not think that I would be working outside so I only wore a light jacket. Luckily, another volunteer let me wear his coat. And two, my hands hurt from pulling the corpse back up to reset it. The rope was rough and scratched my hands.
All together, it was a good experience. I was happy to help scare people and to help out a good cause. After volunteering, we received a free meal and t-shirt. The hot cocoa was delicious!
I had never been to a haunted house before and I do not like them. I do not know why I volunteered to be in a haunted house, but I thought it would be fun. Walking up to the house was scary. People were already dressed in their costumes and was walking around scaring the other volunteers. This freaked me out. I was hanging on to Sam's arm. After a while, I got used to the costumes and just had to realize they were people and would not hurt me. My first job was going to be working a slam door, which is just a wood window that drops and makes a really loud noise. I would be wearing a mask because people could see me when the window was open. I decided against that and picked an easier job. My job for the night was working a pulley to release a corpse hanging from a tree. I was located at the exit of the house and the entrance to the maze. This was a really boring job. All I had to do was watch for the people walk by as they exited the house and release the corpse. I had to learn to time it just right to scare the people more.
There was two disadvantages to this job. One, it was outside and it was cold that night. I did not think that I would be working outside so I only wore a light jacket. Luckily, another volunteer let me wear his coat. And two, my hands hurt from pulling the corpse back up to reset it. The rope was rough and scratched my hands.
All together, it was a good experience. I was happy to help scare people and to help out a good cause. After volunteering, we received a free meal and t-shirt. The hot cocoa was delicious!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Outfly!!
Today was Outfly! It was Harry Potter themed, by the way.
My day started at 6:30 am when I heard yelling outside. I woke up my roommate and we waited. We waited because we were not for sure if it was really Outfly or not. We waited until the RAs pounded on our door. We got our warm jackets on a hurried outside to the crowd of people. There was a lot more people there than I thought there would be. We ended up standing around for about a half hour before they declared Outfly and rang the bell. I then had to still work at 7:45. This was not as bad as it sounds. I work the dish line. It was really busy, but the team rocked it! We also still got to eat breakfast. I loved the dining hall. The floating candles were awesome.
After work I relaxed until lunch and then after lunch I went and got a pink extension put in my hair. Most of the proceeds from the extension went to breast cancer research. After that, I went a got my cartilage pierced. I am glad I did it. I am also glad I did not get a tattoo. I want to get a tattoo that has meaning and purpose and I want it to be memorable when I get it. It would have not been that memorable today. The place was packed and I felt like they would be rushing through people just to get done.
After the piercing, I came back to my warm dorm and did some homework. It was hard to concentrate. Later, I went to dinner and had butterbeer! It was nothing like I imagined it being, but it was good. After dinner, I came back and did more homework and now I am writing this.
My first Outfly experience, I'd say, was a good one. I got to experience the main highlights of the day. The theme was really cool and the decorations and imaginations were great. I cannot wait until next year!
My day started at 6:30 am when I heard yelling outside. I woke up my roommate and we waited. We waited because we were not for sure if it was really Outfly or not. We waited until the RAs pounded on our door. We got our warm jackets on a hurried outside to the crowd of people. There was a lot more people there than I thought there would be. We ended up standing around for about a half hour before they declared Outfly and rang the bell. I then had to still work at 7:45. This was not as bad as it sounds. I work the dish line. It was really busy, but the team rocked it! We also still got to eat breakfast. I loved the dining hall. The floating candles were awesome.
After work I relaxed until lunch and then after lunch I went and got a pink extension put in my hair. Most of the proceeds from the extension went to breast cancer research. After that, I went a got my cartilage pierced. I am glad I did it. I am also glad I did not get a tattoo. I want to get a tattoo that has meaning and purpose and I want it to be memorable when I get it. It would have not been that memorable today. The place was packed and I felt like they would be rushing through people just to get done.
After the piercing, I came back to my warm dorm and did some homework. It was hard to concentrate. Later, I went to dinner and had butterbeer! It was nothing like I imagined it being, but it was good. After dinner, I came back and did more homework and now I am writing this.
My first Outfly experience, I'd say, was a good one. I got to experience the main highlights of the day. The theme was really cool and the decorations and imaginations were great. I cannot wait until next year!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Homecoming!
This weekend was homecoming at Wartburg! It was not what I was expecting. I did not realize that so many alumni come back for this.
Since I work in the Mensa, I knew it was going to be a big weekend, food wise. I had to work extra shifts and had to waitress at a dinner on Friday and the Sunday brunch. I now fully respect the people that put on these events. When I came for scholarship day and visit days, I liked how the tables were set and just did not realize how much work was put into it. By working with the special events, I understand how much work it really is. Having to place three hundred napkins all the same way and going around to every place making sure no silverware is crooked is a lot of work. The cleaning up takes the most time. After the silverware gets washed it needs to be polished and every single plate, candle, and flower has to be put back. This respect is like the one I developed for people who work in the dish line in the Mensa. In the mornings, I am apart of that. Now, when I eat, I stack my dishes nicely how I would like them to be stacked if I was doing the dishes and try to always clean my plate. We joke that we love the people who eat all of their food because it is the easiest to clean.
I knew this weekend there would be a lot of things going on. On Saturday morning I went to the parade. It reminded me a lot of my hometown parade we have every year. It had the small town feel. I really enjoyed the Renaissance fair. I learned about different clubs and organizations and was glad to help them out by buying food or whatever else they were selling. I was excited to get my beat Luther shirt! It was also nice to see the different local vendors, too. That was about all I did on Saturday. I did not go to the game because I had to work, but I saw the overtime. It was very disappointing! I did not go to Octoberfest because it looked pointless. I think it was more for older people who could consume alcoholic beverages.
Overall, I had a good weekend.
Since I work in the Mensa, I knew it was going to be a big weekend, food wise. I had to work extra shifts and had to waitress at a dinner on Friday and the Sunday brunch. I now fully respect the people that put on these events. When I came for scholarship day and visit days, I liked how the tables were set and just did not realize how much work was put into it. By working with the special events, I understand how much work it really is. Having to place three hundred napkins all the same way and going around to every place making sure no silverware is crooked is a lot of work. The cleaning up takes the most time. After the silverware gets washed it needs to be polished and every single plate, candle, and flower has to be put back. This respect is like the one I developed for people who work in the dish line in the Mensa. In the mornings, I am apart of that. Now, when I eat, I stack my dishes nicely how I would like them to be stacked if I was doing the dishes and try to always clean my plate. We joke that we love the people who eat all of their food because it is the easiest to clean.
I knew this weekend there would be a lot of things going on. On Saturday morning I went to the parade. It reminded me a lot of my hometown parade we have every year. It had the small town feel. I really enjoyed the Renaissance fair. I learned about different clubs and organizations and was glad to help them out by buying food or whatever else they were selling. I was excited to get my beat Luther shirt! It was also nice to see the different local vendors, too. That was about all I did on Saturday. I did not go to the game because I had to work, but I saw the overtime. It was very disappointing! I did not go to Octoberfest because it looked pointless. I think it was more for older people who could consume alcoholic beverages.
Overall, I had a good weekend.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Teenage Brain
Today, I read an article in National Geographic titled "Beautiful Brains." This was answered the question, Why do teenagers act the way they do? It was a very interesting article. It explained the whole process to answering the question. I thought this was very relatable because I have been through the teenage stage and sort of still am.
The article first explained that our brains go through a major reorganizing between the ages of twelve and twenty-five. The speed of the axons in our brain, the nerve fibers that send signals to other neurons, increases. The outer layer of our brain, where we do conscious and complicated thinking, becomes thinner, but more efficient. This process moves from the back of the brain to the front. The hippocampus, an area responsible for memory, and frontal areas that set goals and weigh agendas, get stronger. This allows us to integrate memory and experiences into the decisions we make.
The experts say that this process starts out clumsily. The brain needs time to mesh all of these new processes together. This is where the "recklessness" of teenagers start. In a study done by Beatriz Luna at the University of Pittsburgh, she used neuroimaging to study the teens brain. She set up the experiment by having three groups, children, teens, and twentysomethings. She recorded the brain activity of each of these groups while they were doing a task, which was you had to stop yourself from looking at a suddenly appearing light. This is a lot harder than it sounds. The children failed it forty-five percent of the time, teens only failed about twenty percent of the time along with adults. In looking at the brain scans, the experimenter saw that the teens used less of the brain regions than adults. When given a reward to do better, the teens pushed themselves to improve their score, which they did.
This result reminded me of one of the pieces we read in our IS reader. I believe it was the one by Schwartz. He explained that when we are given external incentives, we tend to think of the job we are doing as a chore and not doing it for the joy of it. This is different with the brain. When the subject was given an incentive he worked harder at the job. I do not know if this has much connection because in the Schwartz piece, he talks about how interested the subjects are after they are not given incentives to do the job.
Back to the article, it goes on to explain that the teenager has a higher preference for risks because they value the reward more than weighing in the risks. This entire process that our brains go through in the ten year span is essential to survival. So, when people think "Teenagers. What's wrong with them?" it is really that the brain is growing and developing and everyone goes through it. Adults just point out this out because it is annoying to them.
The article first explained that our brains go through a major reorganizing between the ages of twelve and twenty-five. The speed of the axons in our brain, the nerve fibers that send signals to other neurons, increases. The outer layer of our brain, where we do conscious and complicated thinking, becomes thinner, but more efficient. This process moves from the back of the brain to the front. The hippocampus, an area responsible for memory, and frontal areas that set goals and weigh agendas, get stronger. This allows us to integrate memory and experiences into the decisions we make.
The experts say that this process starts out clumsily. The brain needs time to mesh all of these new processes together. This is where the "recklessness" of teenagers start. In a study done by Beatriz Luna at the University of Pittsburgh, she used neuroimaging to study the teens brain. She set up the experiment by having three groups, children, teens, and twentysomethings. She recorded the brain activity of each of these groups while they were doing a task, which was you had to stop yourself from looking at a suddenly appearing light. This is a lot harder than it sounds. The children failed it forty-five percent of the time, teens only failed about twenty percent of the time along with adults. In looking at the brain scans, the experimenter saw that the teens used less of the brain regions than adults. When given a reward to do better, the teens pushed themselves to improve their score, which they did.
This result reminded me of one of the pieces we read in our IS reader. I believe it was the one by Schwartz. He explained that when we are given external incentives, we tend to think of the job we are doing as a chore and not doing it for the joy of it. This is different with the brain. When the subject was given an incentive he worked harder at the job. I do not know if this has much connection because in the Schwartz piece, he talks about how interested the subjects are after they are not given incentives to do the job.
Back to the article, it goes on to explain that the teenager has a higher preference for risks because they value the reward more than weighing in the risks. This entire process that our brains go through in the ten year span is essential to survival. So, when people think "Teenagers. What's wrong with them?" it is really that the brain is growing and developing and everyone goes through it. Adults just point out this out because it is annoying to them.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Reflection
This past weekend I went home. I enjoyed every minute of it. Honestly, I was really lazy. I am just going to reflect on college life so far.
I take going home as a privilege. I make the most out of my time here and when I am at home. I actually work a little harder if I know I am going home on the weekend because I want to enjoy my time home and not studying. Going home is a time for me to relax and enjoy. I feel like it is almost a reward for the few weeks I was a school. I love to see all of the familiar places, people, and sights.
I was surprised that I missed Wartburg when I went home. I missed my friends and wondered what they were doing. I missed my little home away from home. I have heard other people saying that over the summer they can not wait to come back to Wartburg. I am assuming that is because they miss their friends and the atmosphere of the campus. I think I will feel the same way.
I am enjoying college. I like the freedom to do whatever, whenever I want. I like having my "own place". I honestly do not mind the community bathrooms either. I used to be scared of them, but college has made me get over that. Also, I used to be a germ freak. I haven't been like that since I moved here. I think I just made up my mind that everything is not going to be clean and germ free so I just have to live with it.
So that is my thoughts right now. It will be interesting to see how they change in the coming year.
I take going home as a privilege. I make the most out of my time here and when I am at home. I actually work a little harder if I know I am going home on the weekend because I want to enjoy my time home and not studying. Going home is a time for me to relax and enjoy. I feel like it is almost a reward for the few weeks I was a school. I love to see all of the familiar places, people, and sights.
I was surprised that I missed Wartburg when I went home. I missed my friends and wondered what they were doing. I missed my little home away from home. I have heard other people saying that over the summer they can not wait to come back to Wartburg. I am assuming that is because they miss their friends and the atmosphere of the campus. I think I will feel the same way.
I am enjoying college. I like the freedom to do whatever, whenever I want. I like having my "own place". I honestly do not mind the community bathrooms either. I used to be scared of them, but college has made me get over that. Also, I used to be a germ freak. I haven't been like that since I moved here. I think I just made up my mind that everything is not going to be clean and germ free so I just have to live with it.
So that is my thoughts right now. It will be interesting to see how they change in the coming year.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
My Sister
Honestly, I have to say, I am running out of ideas to blog about. College life is not as exciting as it seems. It is just a lot of homework and thinking and the occasional fun night. I have resorted to talking about my sister, Hannah. She is just not my sister, but my twin. We were born two minutes apart, I being the oldest. We both weighed a little more than a pound and a half. We both had open heart surgery when we were only days old to repair an open heart valve. We have been through everything together, almost literally.
Growing up, I can remember us occasionally not getting along. We would argue and wrestle on the floor for fun. I remember complaining in the car about her being too close to me. I am sure my parents are thrilled with me bringing all of this back.
Since we are twins, people always ask us if we dressed alike or still do. When we were younger, my mom dressed us in the same pattern, but opposite colors. I guess this was also to tell us apart. As we got to the stage of us dressing ourselves, we went our separate ways. In a way we had the same laid back style, but Hannah's has always been a little more dressy. The nice part about being a twin is that our body shape and size is about the same so we can share clothes. Who wants to buy two of the same shirts when you only have to buy one? In high school, I think our minds thought a little more alike. We would come out of our rooms in the morning and both be wearing the same t-shirt. We would then proceed to argue about who is going to change. Some times we did not and people at school would be like, "Hey! You guys are twins today!" That kind of got old. I think that we should be able to wear the same shirt without being noticed like that. I think of it as like two friends accidentally wearing the same shirt to school one day.
Now that we are both in college, people have asked us why didn't you go to the same college. Well, for one, I think it was time to separate and go our own ways. We had been together for eighteen years and it was time. I think we did not go to the same college because every college has its own feel to each person. Yeah, I liked Luther, but it did not feel the way Wartburg did. Hannah felt the same way about Wartburg. It is also funny to think that we picked rival schools.
I feel like being away from her has made me appreciate what kind of relationship we have. We never get mad enough at each other to the point where we do not talk. We have always worked it out. I mean you can't be mad at your best friend forever. I feel like we cherish the moments more when we are together because now we only personally see each other like once a month if were lucky. She has always been there for me and I appreciate everything she has done for me. I still think about all the good times we have had and what good times are going to come.
Growing up, I can remember us occasionally not getting along. We would argue and wrestle on the floor for fun. I remember complaining in the car about her being too close to me. I am sure my parents are thrilled with me bringing all of this back.
Since we are twins, people always ask us if we dressed alike or still do. When we were younger, my mom dressed us in the same pattern, but opposite colors. I guess this was also to tell us apart. As we got to the stage of us dressing ourselves, we went our separate ways. In a way we had the same laid back style, but Hannah's has always been a little more dressy. The nice part about being a twin is that our body shape and size is about the same so we can share clothes. Who wants to buy two of the same shirts when you only have to buy one? In high school, I think our minds thought a little more alike. We would come out of our rooms in the morning and both be wearing the same t-shirt. We would then proceed to argue about who is going to change. Some times we did not and people at school would be like, "Hey! You guys are twins today!" That kind of got old. I think that we should be able to wear the same shirt without being noticed like that. I think of it as like two friends accidentally wearing the same shirt to school one day.
Now that we are both in college, people have asked us why didn't you go to the same college. Well, for one, I think it was time to separate and go our own ways. We had been together for eighteen years and it was time. I think we did not go to the same college because every college has its own feel to each person. Yeah, I liked Luther, but it did not feel the way Wartburg did. Hannah felt the same way about Wartburg. It is also funny to think that we picked rival schools.
I feel like being away from her has made me appreciate what kind of relationship we have. We never get mad enough at each other to the point where we do not talk. We have always worked it out. I mean you can't be mad at your best friend forever. I feel like we cherish the moments more when we are together because now we only personally see each other like once a month if were lucky. She has always been there for me and I appreciate everything she has done for me. I still think about all the good times we have had and what good times are going to come.
Hannah and I
Thursday, September 29, 2011
A New Experience
Last night, Wednesday night, I had my first church experience. I was walking to my dorm after my chemistry lab with Sam and we saw Nicole and Zach. They were headed to Eucharist, a late night worship. Nicole kind of peer pressured me into going. I was a little apprehensive about going. There are a couple of reasons I have never been to church: 1) My parents never went so I never had to either and 2) I never really believed in the Bible and 3) church reminded me of funerals.
We got there and there was live music playing. I thought, okay, this isn't going to be so bad. The service started. First we sang a song. Next, someone got up and spoke about something in the bible. After that we prayed for a while. This I actually liked. It was almost complete silence and I felt like I could think. I had never prayed before like that so I really didn't know what to do. As I thought about it, I just thanked God for everything he has done for me and to keep the ones I love in my life safe. I felt good after this. Next, came the communion. This I had never seen before. I did not take any bread or wine. Nicole said this was a very personal choice. I really did not get the significance of it until she explained it to me. She said it was like making God an part of you and that is a really intimate thing. I did not take anything because I felt I just shouldn't. It was my first time talking to Him. After that we sang another song and then had treats.
In the end I am glad that I went. I felt like it opened my mind up to new things. Looking back on my reasons why I never went to church, I feel like those still hold true. I did feel a little sad when I walked in because it reminded me of sad times at funerals. I feel like this was something good for me to experience. Something that college is all about is exploring new things and I think this was one of them. Overall, I had a good first experience and am considering going back next week.
We got there and there was live music playing. I thought, okay, this isn't going to be so bad. The service started. First we sang a song. Next, someone got up and spoke about something in the bible. After that we prayed for a while. This I actually liked. It was almost complete silence and I felt like I could think. I had never prayed before like that so I really didn't know what to do. As I thought about it, I just thanked God for everything he has done for me and to keep the ones I love in my life safe. I felt good after this. Next, came the communion. This I had never seen before. I did not take any bread or wine. Nicole said this was a very personal choice. I really did not get the significance of it until she explained it to me. She said it was like making God an part of you and that is a really intimate thing. I did not take anything because I felt I just shouldn't. It was my first time talking to Him. After that we sang another song and then had treats.
In the end I am glad that I went. I felt like it opened my mind up to new things. Looking back on my reasons why I never went to church, I feel like those still hold true. I did feel a little sad when I walked in because it reminded me of sad times at funerals. I feel like this was something good for me to experience. Something that college is all about is exploring new things and I think this was one of them. Overall, I had a good first experience and am considering going back next week.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
I am now scared...
On Monday I took my first college test. This was a Biology test. I know you are suppose to start studying about a week before a test. I kind of did, but not really hard core until the day before. I tried not to psych myself out that it was going to be really hard. In reality, I had no idea what to expect, except for that it was a multiple choice test. I kept on telling myself I am going to do awesome and I know everything I need to know. So I walked in, sat down, and got right to work. Honestly, it was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. I think I got a pretty good score. So I thought to myself, this Biology thing isn't going to be so bad. Well I thought that until today.
Today, during the Biology lecture, a panel of successful students came in and talked to us. They described study skills, test taking skills, and their overall opinion about Biology and being a Biology major. Wartburg's Biology major is one of the hardest majors. One of the students said that it is challenging but worth it. If you want to get into graduate school, say Iowa, you have a really good chance. They said Iowa would pick a Wartburg student over an Iowa student any day because of the good reputation and success the biology department has at Wartburg. When they explained some of the things I will be doing as a biology major I got scared. I started to question myself, is this really what I want to do? They said do not expect to get all A's like you did in high school and that is okay. They said with the reputation Wartburg has it is okay to get a C in a biology class because it is equivalent to getting an A at UNI.
Overall, I think I am going to stick with a Biology major. I am not sure what I want to do when I graduate, but biology is the only major I think I am interested in. The panel of students reassured me and scared me at the same time, but I think it will be worth the hard work and effort.
Today, during the Biology lecture, a panel of successful students came in and talked to us. They described study skills, test taking skills, and their overall opinion about Biology and being a Biology major. Wartburg's Biology major is one of the hardest majors. One of the students said that it is challenging but worth it. If you want to get into graduate school, say Iowa, you have a really good chance. They said Iowa would pick a Wartburg student over an Iowa student any day because of the good reputation and success the biology department has at Wartburg. When they explained some of the things I will be doing as a biology major I got scared. I started to question myself, is this really what I want to do? They said do not expect to get all A's like you did in high school and that is okay. They said with the reputation Wartburg has it is okay to get a C in a biology class because it is equivalent to getting an A at UNI.
Overall, I think I am going to stick with a Biology major. I am not sure what I want to do when I graduate, but biology is the only major I think I am interested in. The panel of students reassured me and scared me at the same time, but I think it will be worth the hard work and effort.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Europe
In this blog I am going to talk about my trip to Europe last summer. I traveled with the Iowa Ambassadors of Music to seven countries in two weeks. The seven countries were England, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Liechtenstein. During this tour, we played concerts for the locals. I played the clarinet. There were about three hundred total who went. This trip was the trip of a lifetime for me.
To start off, I was going to be a senior in high school and this would be my first time away from my parents for an extended amount of time. I thought it would be a good college like experience for them and for me. They were a little more nervous about me going on the trip than they were leaving me at college because well I was leaving the country and literally almost on my own. I had to make sure I kept my passport with me at all times. I was in control of money spending and across the ocean, the dollar isn't worth a whole lot.
A week before we actually left we had a music camp. This was an intensive band or choir rehearsal. This was fun and I learned a lot. It boosted my confidence musically because we were playing songs like Stars and Stripes Forever. It felt good to play in a band of almost two hundred and play musically challenging songs because it was a huge step up from high school band, whose attendance was about twenty-five.
We left on the morning of July 3, literally the morning of, I think it was one o'clock. We drove to Chicago airport and waited to board the plane to Minneapolis. At Minneapolis we had an eight hour layover until we could fly into London. We finally made it on the fourth of July. It was weird being there on Independence Day because they don't care. After London, we crossed the English Channel and arrived in Paris. The Eiffel Tower was amazing! From there we traveled to Switzerland. The Alps were gorgeous! It was my favorite place because the people were nice, the scenery was beautiful and it was all so relaxing. After that we went on to Austria, traveling through Liechtenstein. This country was about an Iowa county wide. While we were in Austria, we took a day trip to Venice, Italy. This was super hot and it was also memorable. The gelato was very good! We then traveled on to Germany. The first day was a sad one because we stopped at Dachau, a concentration camp. It is one thing to just hear about them, but it is another to actually be there where it happened. On July nineteenth we flew home to New York then to Chicago and then the ride back into Iowa.
This experience has definitely change my life. I respect more people seeing what other cultures are like. I have learned to appreciate life more and to take opportunities as they come. It has made me see the world in a better light, seeing that all people in the world are almost the same.
To start off, I was going to be a senior in high school and this would be my first time away from my parents for an extended amount of time. I thought it would be a good college like experience for them and for me. They were a little more nervous about me going on the trip than they were leaving me at college because well I was leaving the country and literally almost on my own. I had to make sure I kept my passport with me at all times. I was in control of money spending and across the ocean, the dollar isn't worth a whole lot.
A week before we actually left we had a music camp. This was an intensive band or choir rehearsal. This was fun and I learned a lot. It boosted my confidence musically because we were playing songs like Stars and Stripes Forever. It felt good to play in a band of almost two hundred and play musically challenging songs because it was a huge step up from high school band, whose attendance was about twenty-five.
We left on the morning of July 3, literally the morning of, I think it was one o'clock. We drove to Chicago airport and waited to board the plane to Minneapolis. At Minneapolis we had an eight hour layover until we could fly into London. We finally made it on the fourth of July. It was weird being there on Independence Day because they don't care. After London, we crossed the English Channel and arrived in Paris. The Eiffel Tower was amazing! From there we traveled to Switzerland. The Alps were gorgeous! It was my favorite place because the people were nice, the scenery was beautiful and it was all so relaxing. After that we went on to Austria, traveling through Liechtenstein. This country was about an Iowa county wide. While we were in Austria, we took a day trip to Venice, Italy. This was super hot and it was also memorable. The gelato was very good! We then traveled on to Germany. The first day was a sad one because we stopped at Dachau, a concentration camp. It is one thing to just hear about them, but it is another to actually be there where it happened. On July nineteenth we flew home to New York then to Chicago and then the ride back into Iowa.
This experience has definitely change my life. I respect more people seeing what other cultures are like. I have learned to appreciate life more and to take opportunities as they come. It has made me see the world in a better light, seeing that all people in the world are almost the same.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Robots
I just read an article in National Geographic about robots titled "Us. And Them."(I have a link to the website of pictures of the robots in the article here). It talked about many different robots all of different intelligence. I found this article really interesting. It was a little creepy seeing the different pictures and how alike they are to humans. In the picture where the guy is talking to the robot woman's head is really weird. She is so lifelike! A statistic that really worries me is that in five or ten years robots will be routinely functioning in human environments! That's a little scary!
The first robot the article talked about is Actroid-DER. It, the robot, is a girl and was developed in Japan. She can talk to humans and looks like one too. The article says she has a habit of appearing to nod off momentarily as if she were on something stronger than electricity. I thought that was funny. The second robot was HERB, standing for Home Exploring Robotic Butler. He has wheels for legs and a computer for a body. He actually thinks and "dreams". In his system is a video camera and a laser navigation device and has pressure sensitive system like human tendons. He is a gentle robot. He first scans objects and determines what they are. Then he has to decide how he is going to approach the object. He keep a memory of all the objects and environments he has experienced and puts those to use when he meets something new. This just like humans when we learn from past experiences. This technology could be very useful. Also in the article it talked about a guy reproducing himself as a robot to be in two different places at once. I think this is a little extreme, but if you have the money to do it, well go ahead. Another robot they talked about was military grade robots. These robots would be trained to shoot guns. In order to do this they would have to determine what is a dangerous situation and what is not. They would use video cameras to do this and would work out different scenarios in their "heads". Of course, a human could override the robots decision.
I am glad that this technology is in the future. I don't think our world is ready for artificial intelligence. I think it is weird that the robots can "think" for themselves, but really it is humans all along. There could be some bad people out there run robots and could do really bad. In conclusion, after reading this article, I am not ready for robots.
The first robot the article talked about is Actroid-DER. It, the robot, is a girl and was developed in Japan. She can talk to humans and looks like one too. The article says she has a habit of appearing to nod off momentarily as if she were on something stronger than electricity. I thought that was funny. The second robot was HERB, standing for Home Exploring Robotic Butler. He has wheels for legs and a computer for a body. He actually thinks and "dreams". In his system is a video camera and a laser navigation device and has pressure sensitive system like human tendons. He is a gentle robot. He first scans objects and determines what they are. Then he has to decide how he is going to approach the object. He keep a memory of all the objects and environments he has experienced and puts those to use when he meets something new. This just like humans when we learn from past experiences. This technology could be very useful. Also in the article it talked about a guy reproducing himself as a robot to be in two different places at once. I think this is a little extreme, but if you have the money to do it, well go ahead. Another robot they talked about was military grade robots. These robots would be trained to shoot guns. In order to do this they would have to determine what is a dangerous situation and what is not. They would use video cameras to do this and would work out different scenarios in their "heads". Of course, a human could override the robots decision.
I am glad that this technology is in the future. I don't think our world is ready for artificial intelligence. I think it is weird that the robots can "think" for themselves, but really it is humans all along. There could be some bad people out there run robots and could do really bad. In conclusion, after reading this article, I am not ready for robots.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Coming Home
This is the first weekend I have been home since arriving at Wartburg two and a half weeks ago. I looked forward to it all week. This was my school's homecoming and I wanted to come back and see everyone again.
My mother was a little apprehensive about me coming home. I had told her all week how busy I was and that I would have to do homework while I was here, at home. She felt since I had homework I should stay at Wartburg and study. I probably should have. Either way, I am always going to have homework or something else that needs to be done. That is one thing that is really different than high school. In high school you can get to the point of having no homework, but in college you have a syllabus and always have something to do, whether it be due two days or a week from now.
Another thing that has bothered me while being at home is my sister. We are twins, so we are pretty close. As you know she is going to Luther, four hours from home. I just felt bad that I was coming home sooner than she will be. She was telling me how much she misses everyone and just wishes she could see them soon. One of her reasons why she can not come home very often is because she does not have a car, but she could rent one. She just made me feel a little guilty that I was coming home and she was not. I don't feel too terrible because I know I will see her next weekend as she is coming down to Waverly for family weekend!
So overall, my experience of being home for the "first time" has been pretty good. I have relaxed a little more, have a better outlook about how the next few weeks are going to go at school (thanks, Mom!) and have reconnected with the ones I love.
My mother was a little apprehensive about me coming home. I had told her all week how busy I was and that I would have to do homework while I was here, at home. She felt since I had homework I should stay at Wartburg and study. I probably should have. Either way, I am always going to have homework or something else that needs to be done. That is one thing that is really different than high school. In high school you can get to the point of having no homework, but in college you have a syllabus and always have something to do, whether it be due two days or a week from now.
Another thing that has bothered me while being at home is my sister. We are twins, so we are pretty close. As you know she is going to Luther, four hours from home. I just felt bad that I was coming home sooner than she will be. She was telling me how much she misses everyone and just wishes she could see them soon. One of her reasons why she can not come home very often is because she does not have a car, but she could rent one. She just made me feel a little guilty that I was coming home and she was not. I don't feel too terrible because I know I will see her next weekend as she is coming down to Waverly for family weekend!
So overall, my experience of being home for the "first time" has been pretty good. I have relaxed a little more, have a better outlook about how the next few weeks are going to go at school (thanks, Mom!) and have reconnected with the ones I love.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Jurassic Park
I have to admit that the movie, Jurassic Park, scared me a little. I knew for a fact it was not possible for scientist to replicate dinosaurs. But the possibility lingered in the back of my mind. What if someday it is possible to recover enough DNA and genetics to generate dinosaurs back to life? I think it would be a great scientific accomplishment, but also a scary discovery for man kind. I am sure there are people out there in the world who could hack into the place where they are storing the "dinosaur" and take it for themselves. Of course they would do bad with it. This would be the most extreme bad situation. A good thing that might come out of the discovery is just knowing what the world was like millions of years ago. Having the technology to do that would create more opportunities for other impossible scientific discoveries.
I also have many other common sense questions about the movie that I will elaborate on. One question is: "How did the T-Rex get inside the building?" Let's just say I know the movie is not real, but I have to think how would it be like in real life. The dinosaur would never have been able just to walk in without destroying the building. Another question is "How were the people's physical strength greater than that of the dinosaurs?" Obviously the dinosaur is a lot bigger than man. I think man's strength was greater just for the effect of the movie. If Dr. Grant would not have been able to hold the door closed so the dinosaur could not get in before the system could be put back on and the doors locked, it would have just ruined the movie. The people would have died and that would be it. Going along with comparing human to dinosaur another question to ask is "Why did the people out run the dinosaurs?" Dinosaur strides are a large amount greater than humans. Again, I think this was so to not ruin the movie.
Overall, I think the movie was good, drama and content wise, not scientifically. It is interesting to see the possibilities of science. With the technology we have today, who knows what will be discovered in the future - maybe dinosaurs.
I also have many other common sense questions about the movie that I will elaborate on. One question is: "How did the T-Rex get inside the building?" Let's just say I know the movie is not real, but I have to think how would it be like in real life. The dinosaur would never have been able just to walk in without destroying the building. Another question is "How were the people's physical strength greater than that of the dinosaurs?" Obviously the dinosaur is a lot bigger than man. I think man's strength was greater just for the effect of the movie. If Dr. Grant would not have been able to hold the door closed so the dinosaur could not get in before the system could be put back on and the doors locked, it would have just ruined the movie. The people would have died and that would be it. Going along with comparing human to dinosaur another question to ask is "Why did the people out run the dinosaurs?" Dinosaur strides are a large amount greater than humans. Again, I think this was so to not ruin the movie.
Overall, I think the movie was good, drama and content wise, not scientifically. It is interesting to see the possibilities of science. With the technology we have today, who knows what will be discovered in the future - maybe dinosaurs.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Excitement and Disappointment
So my adventure really began about a year ago when I decide to become a Knight. I was so excited throughout my senior year to go to college. When my sister, Hannah, moved into her dorm at Luther a week before I moved in, it was an exciting experience for me. I helped her unpack and organize things. Her dorm was big and sunny and the campus was spacious and beautiful. Her roommate and her automatically became best friends. I saw the exciting new life of college I had been waiting for.
When I arrived at Wartburg on September 7, I had been anticipating the same kind of feeling I had gotten when I helped move Hannah in. I did, really, but there was a little let down. When I walked into my dorm room for the first time I was disappointed. It seemed like a jail cell. Then, when I met my roommate I knew we were not going to be best friends. That was disappointment number two. Disappointment number three was the activities of orientation. I did not realize that I would have so much free time. This gave me time to think about friends.
I was hoping I would automatically make friends like my sister seemed to do. In the months anticipating college I thought a lot about how life is going to be. I will hang out with my friends every night and we will go out and do things together. Well, of course, this friendship would take some time. I just did not like the idea of having to wait for friends. This waiting has taught me to just be yourself, meet new people, and that important things take time.
Today, I have a lot better, more positive attitude towards Wartburg. I have a dorm room that is spacious and bright, just the way I like it. I have a good group of friends who I can talk to and trust. I think if I had the chance to do the past week and a half over again I would. I would have walked onto campus with a better attitude and a more positive way of thinking towards everything. But, of course, I can not go back in time, so I will just appreciate what I have and live everyday to its fullest.
When I arrived at Wartburg on September 7, I had been anticipating the same kind of feeling I had gotten when I helped move Hannah in. I did, really, but there was a little let down. When I walked into my dorm room for the first time I was disappointed. It seemed like a jail cell. Then, when I met my roommate I knew we were not going to be best friends. That was disappointment number two. Disappointment number three was the activities of orientation. I did not realize that I would have so much free time. This gave me time to think about friends.
I was hoping I would automatically make friends like my sister seemed to do. In the months anticipating college I thought a lot about how life is going to be. I will hang out with my friends every night and we will go out and do things together. Well, of course, this friendship would take some time. I just did not like the idea of having to wait for friends. This waiting has taught me to just be yourself, meet new people, and that important things take time.
Today, I have a lot better, more positive attitude towards Wartburg. I have a dorm room that is spacious and bright, just the way I like it. I have a good group of friends who I can talk to and trust. I think if I had the chance to do the past week and a half over again I would. I would have walked onto campus with a better attitude and a more positive way of thinking towards everything. But, of course, I can not go back in time, so I will just appreciate what I have and live everyday to its fullest.
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